Is tap water in Belgium safe to drink? A traveller's guide

This is intended to serve as a general guide. Always check with official sources for the latest government and health advice.

Opting for tap water is often the most eco-friendly and cost-effective way to stay hydrated while traveling. But when you're in a new country, knowing if the tap water is safe is crucial to avoid any unexpected health risks. If you're headed to Belgium, you're likely wondering: is its tap water safe to drink?

The quick answer is yes. This guide will clearly explain why Belgium’s tap water is safe, and detail its quality to help you prepare for your trip. We’ll also introduce the Wise card, a useful travel companion to help you save on spending during your time there.

Is tap water safe to drink in Belgium?

Yes, tap water in Belgium is generally safe to drink directly from the tap throughout the country, according to the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers.¹ It is of high quality and meets strict national and regional decrees that transpose the EU Drinking Water Directive.² The quality of tap water is a constitutional right for every Belgian citizen, and it is subject to constant monitoring to meet regulatory requirements.²

While some residents may still choose bottled water or filters, this is often for personal taste rather than a concern about safety.² As a practical tip, always check if your specific tap is safe for drinking. Although the public water supply is reliable, older building plumbing or other disruptions could affect the water quality.

Understanding Belgium's water quality

In Belgium, the responsibility for drinking water is shared across different levels of government. At the federal level, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment sets the legal framework and monitors compliance with national and EU standards for water intended for human consumption.³ This includes transposing European drinking water directives into Belgian law.

Oversight is further supported by the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC), which enforces quality controls and ensures that tap water supplied to households meets strict safety standards.² This layered system of federal and regional authorities ensures that Belgian tap water remains safe, reliable, and in line with EU directives.

Sources of Belgium's tap water

Belgium’s tap water predominantly derives from groundwater, accounting for about two-thirds of its supply, while the remaining one-third comes from surface water sources like rivers and reservoirs.⁴ Belgium’s drinking water is subjected to treatment processes including filtration, aeration, and disinfection, with chlorine serving as the primary agent to safeguard against pathogens.⁵

Mineral content and taste of Belgium's tap water

Belgium’s tap water is generally naturally hard, with high concentrations of calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) ions, reflecting the calcareous geology of many regions. Hardness varies regionally, being highest in provinces such as Brabant and Hainaut, and is typically measured in French degrees (°F), where 1° F corresponds to 10 mg/L of CaCO₃.⁶

The general taste profile is described as neutral and clean, with a chlorine taste rarely noticeable. However, some people may notice a faint chlorine taste, which can lead them to use filters.

Heading to Belgium? Maximise your EUR spending with the Wise Card

Staying hydrated is key to a great trip, and so is managing your travel budget wisely in Belgium. The Wise card is a simple way to save when you're spending internationally, be it on bottled water, food or shopping. You can spend in 150+ countries, including Belgium, at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're in Belgium. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to EUR. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

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FAQs

Do I need to boil tap water in Belgium to make it safe?

No, boiling tap water in Belgium is not necessary. It is generally safe and drinkable without boiling,¹ as it is subject to strict quality controls that ensure its safety and compliance with EU and national standards.²

How does the taste and quality of tap water differ within Belgium?

The taste and quality of water can vary by region due to different water sources and mineral content. Water hardness, in particular, varies across the country, influencing the taste profile.⁶

Is the ice served in restaurants and bars in Belgium safe to consume?

Yes, the ice served in restaurants and bars is generally safe to consume, as it is made from the public water supply which is deemed safe to drink throughout the country.¹

Why do some people in Belgium use water filters if the tap water is safe?

Some people in Belgium use water filters primarily for personal taste preference due to a noticeable chlorine taste or a hard, mineral taste, particularly in hard water areas.⁶